It’s all about the flow.
Just as the real estate market is famously about “location, location, location,” the ideal store layout is all about where you want your customer to go … and what you want them to see. Think about what’s at eye level vs. what needs extra work to notice. You want your most profitable or in-demand items to be at eye level.
Store-wide shelf layout on a broad level, too, can play a role. When you put the hottest items far away from the entrance, you increase the opportunity for customers to find lower-profile goods by accident. Call it “opportunistic proximity.” Grocery stores have known this for decades: The milk is usually in one corner completely opposite from where the meat is. The impulse purchases (candy, gum, tabloids, lip balm) are near the register where shoppers wait their turn in line.
Pay attention to the overall visibility of goods. If something is on a higher or lower shelf, are there signs or enough related surrounding product to indicate where it is?
Cleanliness
Clean shelves go a long way toward creating a favorable impression on your customers. Even if items are out of stock, making sure the empty shelf space is not dusty or otherwise pulling random storage duty by holding excess products carelessly tossed aside. We’ve all seen shelves that look like that.
Check on shelves regularly to restore order when customers inevitably make a mess. It makes it easier for other customers to find what they need, and it simply leaves a better impression of your store. It also helps you stay on top of any products you are running low on and need to order or pull from back stock. Attention to these little details signals you care about your store and the customer shopping experience.
Choose wisely
With more than 2,000 standard types of retail fixtures, consulting a knowledgeable salesperson can make all the difference. They’ll help you choose the optimal shelving solutions for your unique space.
Customer service
While physical environment is crucial, don’t forget probably the most important element of retail success: Customer service! Read our recent blog about how to create policies for exceptional customer service.
